Ashaway Medal scoop at the BUCS individuals

Big congratulations to all the participants at the BUCS Individual Badminton Championships this year, there were over 600 individuals competing at this years event which makes the event the largest in the British Isles!
Particular mention to the Ashaway Medalists:

Joel Gayle - Mens Doubles (Silver), Mens Singles (Bronze)
Ronald Ridge - Mens Doubles (Silver)
Neil White - Mens Singles (Silver)
Rachel Howard - Ladies Singles (Bronze)

We would like to pay tribute to:

The tournament organisers who are all volunteers, this tournament is huge and runs over 3 days without a hitch.
BUCS themselves for there excellent work in bringing us all together
RacquetRestrings.com - Mike West was the official Ashaway ZyMax Stringer, Mike is a fully qualified UKRSA stringer and tirelessly strung throughout the event. If you need a stringer in the merseyside area, look no further.
Hit n Run Sports - Our official retail partner at the event. Proprietor Lee Turnbull was ever present and in excellent humour all weekend.

Pictured here are Joel Gayle with mens doubles partner Ronald Ridge and Neil White. For more photos from the event check out www.facebook.com/ashaway

BUCS Individual Badminton Championships (sponsored by Ashaway)

We are busy at Goode Sport Towers making preparations for the University Individual Championships in Nottingham this weekend. This event is like no other with huge draws (around 400 competitors), electric atmosphere, bongo drums, fancy dress team kits, mascots and a legendary Saturday night Party! ..... Also the standard of badminton is very good!

ZyMax Re-String for £10:
All entrants are entitled to get their racket restrung in ZyMax by our UKRSA qualified stringer for a mere £10, using a voucher which is available here: http://www.ashaway.co.uk/bucs

Our retailer at the event this year is Hit n Run Sports who will be offering special student discount rates, be sure to drop by and meet us upstairs in the room opposite the main registration desk.

ERSA Review - ZyMax "highest marks"

The European Racket stringers association have just published thier impartial review of ZyMax.
25 high level players in several countries performed the tests, the score and quotes speak for themselves:

"Ashaway has introduced a new badminton string which has given us the highest marks of any badminton string we have tested"


"I rate it somewhat better than my current string" Tournament player using BG65


"ZyMax should become one of the top strings in the market in a short time"


"More than 50% of the players said they would consider changing to this string even though they have contracts with other companies"

Silver Medal For Rajeev Bagga

Ashaway's Rajeev Bagga's quest for gold faltered at the final hurdle when he was narrowly beaten (16-21, 21-17, 20-22) by Artemy Karpov of Russia.

The result is Bagga's first defeat to any Deaf competitor in 20 years of competition and his silver medal follows Singles gold at the previous five Deaflympics.

Bagga was a point away from glory at 20-19. But the Russian was returning Rajeev's smashes strongly and made it 20-all, before edging ahead to 21.

On the vital point, Karpov played a light drop serve which Bagga left, and it ooked to have landed out. But the umpire judged that the shuttlecock had fallen onto the line and Karpov fell to his knees in triumph.

Karpov - on a reputed €100,000 to win the title - took the first set when a netted Bagga backhand gave him a match point, which he took.

Immediately after the set, Team GB Badminton Manager Janet Thompson had to stride onto court to ask for a third Russian official to be removed, as only two are permitted courtside.

In the second set, Bagga went from 11-15 down to 18-15 ahead and took the set five points later when he had Karpov straining and failing with a shot from the floor.

The quality of the badminton on show was superb and the two players exchanged the early points with some fierce rallies in the final set.

Karpov stayed in touch with Bagga throughout the last set and it really was very close to call. The British fans in the gallery were about to explode when Bagga reached 20 points but it was not to be.

Rajeev - who first won gold in Christchurch 1989 and carried his run through Sofia 1993, Copenhagen 1997. Rome 2001 and Melbourne 2005 - afterwards donated his silver medal to Lithuanian competitor Tomas DovyDaitis who had badly damaged his ankle in competition.

As one onlooker commented, "Rajeev may have lost the gold but he still has a heart of gold"

There are many photo's of Rajeev at the championships here: http://www.bslbt.co.uk/sports/gallery/badminton

ZyMax - Worldwide Launch

We thought you maybe interested to see the different advertising across the world for ZyMax ...

On the Left is the USA advertising and on the right is the UK advertising, very different styles for the same message:

ZyMax - Maintains String Tension.

Have a look at the US website presentation to learn more about the technological advantages of ZyMax 62, 67 and 70.

Across the World ZyMax is really capturing badminton players imagination. Check out this amazing video from You Tube ... ZyMax 70 being strung at 41lbs!! :



Finally there is all sorts of discussion around the world about Zymax, here's an example from badminton central:

Badminton Central ZyMax Discussion

ZyMax is a quality product that for the first time means that badminton players can get the same performance from their string long after the have had it re-strung. ZyMax - Consistent Performance

POWERNICK 18 - REACHES BOTH FINALS AT THE BRITISH OPEN!

Our personal congratulations to:

1. Nick Matthew - Nick beat James Wilstrop in an amazing 5 set match to become the 2009 British Open Champion. After an extended time out injured, there can no be no doubt that Nick is back to his best winning the epic final 8-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-3, 12-10 in 2hours and 3 minutes.

2. Madeline Perry - The Irish number 1 and world number 8 who managed to improve on her Semi-Final place last year, reaching the British Open Final, she beat world No. 1 Nicol David en route to the Final. Well done Maddy!

Also using Ashaway strings at the event were:

Alison Waters - Semi Finalist
Daryl Selby - Quarter Finalist
David Palmer - Quarter Finalist
Ong Beng Hee - 2nd Round
+ Many people in the Masters Event!

STOP PRESS: Both Nick and Madeline use Ashaway Powernick 18. We've had a few enquiries as to the colour of the string used by some of the professionals. The answer is that some players including Nick and Maddy, due to contractual reasons have to use a 'white' string in their rackets, therefore Nick and Maddy both use Powernick 18 in Silver as opposed to the normal red colour in order to meet their contract. It is the same product, just a different colour!

ZyMax - The Science behind Consistent Performance!

Ashaway USA Press Release:

Ashaway Racket Strings has developed a new core construction technique that allows the production of lighter, stronger badminton strings than any yet produced. ZyWeaVe™ technology allows Ashaway to produce ZyMax 62 (0.62mm) a string that is 25% lighter than standard 0.70mm badminton strings.

"Professional players like lighter strings in their racquet heads for more power on smashes and better feel and control on touch shots," said Steve Crandall, Vice President of Marketing for Ashaway. "Play testing of the new ZyMax line has been very positive. Ruilin Huang, won the 2009 US Open Ladies Doubles Championship using ZyMax 67"

Using a combination of high-tech materials and their proprietary ZyWeaVe core, the new Ashaway strings produce less elongation at professional stringing tensions and less creep. This means the strings maintain tension and consistent maximum performance throughout their playing life. In addition, ZyWeaVe technology allows Ashaway to make a string that can be strung at unusually high tensions.

"We've been able to string a ZyMax 0.70mm gauge string at over 40 lbs. using special high tension racquets," said Crandall. "You can tell the string is maintaining tension and repulsion power by the nice crisp "ping" sound it makes when you strike the shuttle."

Ashaway 2010 Brochure

Check out the latest - Ashaway Brochure 2010

http://issuu.com/goodesport/docs/ashaway_2010_brochure

ASHAWAY PLAYERS FLY THE RED DRAGON

Ashaway's Welsh internationals Joe Morgan and James Phillips (world rank 59) recently competed in the US Open Grand Prix, their first tournament of the 2010 Commonwealth Games qualification campaign. In the first round they comprehensively defeated Tuan La and Ba Su(USA) before pulling off a fine three set victory against former World no 1 and Olympic medallist Rudi Gunawan and former Indonesian international Ignatius Rusli. Unfortunately 2005 world champions Tony Gunawan and Howard Bach proved too strong in the quarter finals before going on to secure the title.

After the match Morgan said "Overall we can be pleased with a quarter final result in a grand prix tournament and its a good start to the Commonwealth qualification campaign". Phillips added "Its was a great experience to play such a quality doubles pair, it was a good match".

Morgan also teamed up with Ashaway's newly signed Kerry Ann Shepperd in the mixed doubles (World rank 67) but were defeated by Canada's Alvin Lau and former World semi finalist Xuelian Jiang of China.

We wish Joe, James and Kerry the very best with their commonwealth qualification campaign!

GOODE SPORT SOCIAL NETWORK

As well as the Black Knight, Rachel Howard and Main Blog, we are now on Facebook and Twitter, have a look and follow us!

Court Jesters, Wimbledon, Ashaway and Ibuprofen - What a combination!

At Goode Sport we're recovering from the annual Wimbledon Summer Invitational Team tournament sponsored by Ashaway.

The tournament consists of teams of 6 players, of county standard or above who battle it out over 2 days of matches and serious saturday night party to find an eventual winner. This years winners were the Court Jesters, lead by Kristain Roebuck and Steve Higgins, the team featured 4 other full time players from the south west of England. The 'Jesters' scooped the prize money in a closely contested final match against 'The Team with No Name' featuring former world Silver medalist Karen Beckman and her son Ben amongst some other very talented individuals.

The Ashaway team (Ashaway and Ibuprofen) ended up in 7th place out of the 14 teams that entered. The original Ashaway line up suffered quite an injury list in the run up to the tournament, but the players who stepped in showed great spirit in helping (and dragging repectively) Ashaway's Mark sellwood and Goode Sports own Paul Smith up to 7th spot. Paul is in the office this week still complaining of aches and pains but loved every minute of it.

Ashaway would like to thank all the competitors, wimbledon club and particularly Kate Manning (pictured at her control desk) for putting on such a fantastic tournament that Ashaway are so very proud to be associated with.

For More photo's of the event check out Ashaway on Facebook

TEAM ASHAWAY - BADMINTON UPDATE!

SUSSEX ELITE:

Team Ashaway were out in force snatching the Mens Doubles and Mixed doubles titles at the recent Sussex Elite Finals.

In the Men’s Doubles Ashaway's Peter Mills togehter with his partner Robin Middleton defeated Ben Beckman and Simon Hardcastle 21-13 21-9. But Mills’ hopes of a double title were dashed in the Mixed final when he lost out to Ashaway's Joel Gayle and Caroline Westley 21-15 21-13.

Men’s Doubles:
Robin Middleton & Peter Mills (ENG) bt
Ben Beckman & Simon Hardcastle (ENG) 21-13 21-9

Mixed Doubles:
Joel Gayle & Caroline Westley (ENG) bt
Peter Mills & Sarah Walker (ENG) 21-15 21-13.

Congratulations to Peter, Caroline and Joel!


DWARF CHAMPIONSHIPS:

Nial McVeigh reached the final of the Ulster National Dwarf games losing out narrowly in a close 3 sets 15-21, 23-21, 16-21. Nial was quickly back on his feet at the German International which he won the final against a seasoned international from germany, Nial won in two straight sets 21-15, 21-11.

Well Done Nial!


RACHEL HOWARD:

Rachel reached the semi finals of the Slovak Open, retiring at 19-19 in the second set. She had beaten the 2nd seed in her first round and was looking and feeling strong before she unfortunately had to retire. Rachel has recently heard that she will recieve continued funding from badminton england, despite the budgets cuts, it's great to see that Badminton England still have faith in Rachel above so many others (as do we!).

DAVID PALMER WINS CANARY WHARF CLASSIC!

David Palmer is the Canary Wharf Classic Champion after defeating the current holder James Wilstrop in a gripping final. David came through 11/9, 12/10, 8/11, 11/7 in a match that lasted 65 minutes.

David adds the title to his British Open victory earlier in this season and this is actually David's 25th PSA title. Well done David!

It's great timing for us all at Black Knight/ Ashaway as we launch our new advertising campaign "The Player of the Decade Has Made His Choice".

For a full report, check out this link, see this link:
http://www.squash.me.uk/canarywharf/today09.htm

ASHAWAY, BLACK KNIGHT AND EDGBASTON PRIORY

Black Knight and Ashaway have recently set up a 2 year agreement with the squash and racketball team at Edgbaston Priory Club.

• Edgbaston Priory Club is firmly established as one of Britain’s premier racquet clubs. The club has 10 local league sides, 5 national club sides and is intent on establishing itself as a midlands base for many of the up and coming UK and the worlds top professionals.
• It is a private members club with over 3,000 members.
• The Club is used to holding major events - the Davis Cup, British Open and World Open Squash Championships.
• It is set in 12 acres of beautiful grounds with 29 tennis courts, 10 squash courts, heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa, a licensed bar and restaurant.
• The Club dates back over 130 years and has nurtured 4 Wimbledon Champions and several National champions

Leyla Ogan (centre left) rackets manager has built up a new squash coaching team of Jon Tate and Mike Edwards (centre right), who are moving squash at the club forward. The junior development programme, has already produced an under 17 British Open champion in the form of Julianne Courtice, now sponsored by Black Knight/ Ashaway and more recently Anthony Graham National U19 champion (uses Ashaway Powernick 18 string)

The club is leading the way in racketball nationally - Rob Shay, the clubs racketball coach, is a former professional squash player who is now heavily involved with the National Racketball Association, the club now hosts the annual national racketball championships and has British champions in three age groups

Paul Smith (far right) of Black Knight / Ashaway UK said “We are proud to be associated with and support a centre of excellence for squash and racketball such as Edgbaston Priory. The team at the club are keen not to rest on their laurels and move the club forward, particularly with their high performance junior programme, this fits perfectly with our philosophy as we enter the UK market”

Edgbaston Website: www.edgbastonpriory.com

STOP PRESS - Player update - 22-Apr-09

Edgbaston (and England!) player Ant Graham is celebrating a double achievement! in Germany earlier this month Ant became the U19 European champion and simultaniously the U19 british number 1. Ant has recently signed with Ashaway and is currently using Powernick 18, he's pictured here with his european trophy. Ant was joined in Germany by Julianne Courtice (U17 british open champion) who is also based at the Priory and sponsored by Black Knight / Ashaway.

Other players using Ashaway strings at the Priory include: Victoria Lust (world no. 58) and Joel Hinds (recently turned full time professional).

ASHAWAY AT THE ALL ENGLAND

Ashaway are exhibiting at the All England Badminton Championships.

The Championships are at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham 3rd - 8th March.

Please pop by our stand on the main concourse (far end, opposite end to the badminton england lounge). While you are there:

1. Enter our competition to win a Kevlar 8000SQ

2. See our latest range and a sneak preview of next seasons products.

3. See the revolutionary Final Prototypes of the New ZYMAX Strings

Jo Goode - 5 Top Tips

Jo Goode, Olympic Bronze Medalist and now Coach at the Ashaway Academy has compiled 5 Top Tips to quickly improve your game:

1. Return of Short Service
Make sure the back swing and follow though are as short as possible. This both encourages and enables you to take the shuttle as early as possible and adds control

2. Men's/Ladies Doubles Play
If you play the shuttle to the net, you MUST follow the shuttle in. This will encourage the opposition to lift.

3. Defense
When defending try to use a short back swing and short follow through. This will enable you to quickly recover and be ready for the next shot as soon as possible - Increasing your chances of regaining the upper hand.

4. Net Play
When at the net - keep your racket at eye level. For the shots you will be playing at the net, this is the optimum height and minimises the amount you will have to move your racket to hit the shuttle enabling you to take the shuttle as early as possible.

5. Maintain your key equipment
Have your racket re-strung and re-griped regularly, strings will slacken off and grips will wear. A good rule of thumb is to restring and regrip at least as many times a season as you play per week. Shoes, ensure they are not covered in dust or worn out.

Jo has recently been testing the new Zymax strings, due out in Summer 2009. See the link below to find out more.

Zymax is coming

SPONSORED PLAYER UPDATE

Ashaway players were in abundance at the recent English Nationals, we took the opportunity to catch up with a few a of them.

Rachel Howard is our Ladies Singles player and now a full time professional player, she has recently recovered from a stress fracture that had here out of action for nearly 12 months and is now building her fitness level and match sharpness to press on to where she belongs at the top of the england rankings and beyond.

Rachel is pictured here during here 1st round victory at the english nationals, due to her long term injury she was not seeded in the event and in the second round came up against the number 1 seed Liz McCann. The game was very tight and could have gone either way, but unfortunatley fitness eventually played a part and Rachel bowed out after a strong performance. Check out the Rachel Howard Blog here to see rachels progress this season

Mark Sellwood (pictured right)is a Mens Singles player and High Performance coach based in Birmingham. Mark is a consistent player (currently ranked at 13 in England) and a fantastic coach. Mark narrowly missed out on repeating his form from last year, missing out on a quarter final meet with Raj Ouseph, losing 22-20 in his 2nd round match.

Nathan D'Cruz (pictured left) is the new kid on the block, last year he was the Under 19 national champion and is now training full time at the National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes. Nathan is a real talent and a prospect for 2012. Nathan also narrowly missed out on a quarter final match up, loosing in a tense 3 set match to Harry Wright.

Also representing Ashaway at the Nationals were Caroline Westly, Ivor Griffiths, Neil White & Jo Dix.

Kirschbaum Now in the UK!

Kirschbaum is the worlds most experienced brand of poly strings and is now available in the U.K.

Kirschbaum String has signed an exclusive distribution deal with racket string specialists Goode Sport.

Kirschbaum started life 20 years ago producing string for racket manufacturers but with an ever increasing demand for poly string Kirschbaum quickly developed into a world leading string brand.

Kirschbaum has over 300 players on the ATP Tour and over 3500 contract players.

Spikey Shark and Proline II are the latest additions to the Kirschbaum range and offer all the benefits of poly string but with technical advancements for a softer more forgiving performance.

Roger Dalton, ERSA Pro Tour and Master Racket Technician recently tested a range of Kirschbaum strings and quotes the following:

The new Hybrix sets performed exceptionally well with little or no string movement. Good control aided by the multifilament crosses gave a comfortable feel.

Super Smash and Spiky Shark are as good as any Polys with no movement.

Proline II has superior tension hold and soft impact transmission.

Competion and Touch Turbo both have a softer feel, with little movement and easy stringing.

For details on the range see: http://www.ashaway.co.uk/index.php?page=category&category=24

For full Kirschbaum details contact kirschbaum@ashaway.co.uk or 01707 321397